Frequently Asked Sofas & Couches Questions

Sofas and Couches by Ashley HomeStoreFrom the lastest styles of sleeper sofas to tufted leather couches, Ashley HomeStore combines the latest trends with technology to give you the very best living room furniture. With unmatched prices and quality, we’re your one-stop desitination for all things home.

What is the Difference Between a Couch and a Sofa?You might be surpised to learn that there is a difference between a couch and a sofa. But, the meaning has changed throughout time. Historically, a sofa is an upholstered bench with cushions, two arms and space for multiple people to sit. A couch, on the other hand, has no arms and is smaller than a sofa. Over time these definitions were lost and homeowners began using both words interchangeably to mean all “sofa-like” furniture. However, one’s use of the words “sofa” or “couch” says a lot about how they view their furniture. Sofas are seen as elegant and upscale, while couches are viewed more casually as comfort-driven pieces of furniture. Want to learn more? Check out this guide.

How Long Do Couches Last?Living room couches are an investment purchase but rest assured, these pieces can last up to 15 years. Generally the lifespan of a couch is 7-15 years depending on daily wear and tear. If your kids are jumping on the cushions or spilling juice on the upholstery, expect your couch to last on the lower end of this range. However, if you take good care of the springs and keep stains at bay, your sofa and loveseat set can last the test of time. If its structurally sound, you can even reupholster your couch or get the cushions repaired.

How Many Throw Pillows Go on a Sofa?Depending on the look that you’re going for, the maximum number of throw pillows on a sofa is five. The classic, go-to pillow placement is two pillows at each arm of the sofa and an oblong cushion placed at the center. This creates a playful symmetry and leaves plenty of opportunities to be experimental with colors and prints. A more traditional style is a symmetrical and ordered look, with either one or two throw pillows arranged at each side of the couch. If you want something more eclectic and unexpected, place three or five pillows on your living room sofas and arrange them in such a way that they look effortless and asymmetrical. If having five throw pillows is not your thing, one pillow can easily spice up your space. Or, if five is simply too little, you can run wild with the number of pillows as long as you follow the basic techniques for creating symmetry and asymmetry.

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